parvovirus

[ pahr-voh-vahy-ruhs ]

noun

, plural par·vo·vi·rus·es.

1. Veterinary Pathology. a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease of dogs, characterized by vomiting, severe diarrhea, and depression and accompanied by high fever and loss of appetite.
2. any of several small DNA-containing viruses belonging to the genus Parvovirus, of the family Parvoviridae, especially the virus that causes the disease parvovirus in dogs or distemper in cats.

parvovirus

/ ˈpɑːvəʊˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any of a group of viruses characterized by their very small size, each of which is specific to a particular species, as for example canine parvovirus

parvovirus

/ pär′vō-vī′rəs /

1. Any of a group of small DNA viruses of the family Parvoviridae that cause disease in many vertebrates, especially a febrile infection in dogs resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes death. In humans it commonly causes an acute contagious infection called fifth disease , marked by a facial rash.

Word History and Origins

Origin of parvovirus¹

1960–65; < Latin parv ( us ) small + -o- + virus

Word History and Origins

Origin of parvovirus¹

C20: New Latin from Latin parvus little + virus